Akaka Falls State Park

Pros: 420+ foot Akaka Falls, Jungle setting, Easy walk, Free
Cons: Kahuna Falls isn't that spectacular

If you’re traveling on Highway 19 north of Hilo, Hawaii and want to see a Hawaiian waterfall close up then turn off 19 and travel the couple of miles up Akaka Falls Road and take walk to both Akaka and Kahuna Falls. The walk is easy, but the views ...

Pros: Beautiful
Cons: Small

Akaka Falls State Park is a fairly small state park that is a must see if you get to the island of Hawaii. Although it is 66 acres in size the part of the park you can explore is much smaller. The park is very nice but I find it insufficient to have an...

Pros: Beautiful waterfall, amazing scenery, peaceful trail with stops at streams and scenic overlooks
Cons: Bathroom is not maintained, trail moderately difficult with numerous stairs

I was told by many people to visit this park and was glad that I did. We spent about 1 hour in the park. There are only about 10-20 parking spots at the park and a small bathroom near the parking lot. The hike is easy to moderate with a considerable ...

Pros: Waterfalls in a jungle setting - highly unusual for the U.S.!
Cons: None

On the Big Island is this gem of a state park offering an easy hike to the waterfalls in a very lush setting. At the closest lookout point you're still a way off so you won't get wet from the waterfall's spray. However, all that lush vegetation isn't...